There will be an Angel Tree at the Commons from November 28 through December 5. On it will be cards with the names, ages, and needs of children in our community under age 5. This group of little ones bring so much joy, but often the cost of essentials such as diapers, formula, and clothing necessities place a burden on young parents: the hope is that through this tree the community can ease that burden during this time of giving.

Please take the time to choose a card off the tree and return the gifts to the Commons by December 5th.

If you know of any local families in need, please fill out the contact form and let us know.

Calling all creative members of our community! MainStreet Commons is hosting a community-wide wreath-making contest and silent auction. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to exercise your creativity, support a local nonprofit, and have a chance to win a prize.

Here are all the details:

Make or decorate a wreath--any style, any material: the options are wide open, from barbed wire to burlap to traditional greenery.

Bring your wreath to the Commons on November 30th by 4pm. The wreaths will be displayed for a silent auction that will begin during the Snowflake Festival and end on Wednesday, December 6th at 10am.

All proceeds from the silent auction go to benefit the Commons and helps us create even more community programs and opportunities to bring people together.

The wreath with the highest silent auction bids earns its maker a prize! A $50 gift card for you, and a $50 donation to the nonprofit of your choice.

Let's see what you've got, Absarokee! Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Looking for something to do this Friday night? It's all fun and games at the Commons!

What: Game night at the Commons -- our game cupboard will be open, or feel free to bring your own favorite board or card game. Invite friends and bring a snack if you'd like. (The popcorn machine will be up and running, too.)

Mark your calendars for December 7th at 6:30pm - the Front Porch Studio is coming to Absarokee! The ladies of the Front Porch will guide you to make a beautiful Christmas project: you can choose between five great options. Invite a friend, leave the kids at home, and have a fun time getting in the Christmas spirit!

Space is limited and registration is required ahead of time. To get in on this fun event, you must register through the Front Porch's website: click here to see the five possible projects, then scroll down to click on the Absarokee party where you can choose which project you want, register, and pay. The registration deadline is November 19th.

Feel free to use our contact form if you have any additional questions.

Absarokee teens, do you miss trick-or-treating? Wish the little kids didn't get all the Halloween fun? This year, don your costume and go door-to-door for a great cause, asking the community for donations to the Absarokee Food Bank. Bring your haul to the MainStreet Commons -- there will be great prizes for the teens who collect the most food!

WHEN: HalloweenWHO: All junior high and high school teensWHAT: Trick-or-Treat for the Food Bank: ask for canned and non-perishable food donations. Bring them to the Commons by 7pm. WIN: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for the most food collected. (1st prize is a $50 Rimrock Mall gift card!)

***Absarokee Community, when you buy your candy this year, please consider picking up a few food items to have on hand to donate to the Absarokee Food Bank***

Note that MainStreet Commons will be open till 7pm on Halloween. Candy and activities for younger kids starting at 3pm.

The Commons is transforming into a jam-packed shopping destination this Friday and Saturday, October 27-28. There will be 20+ vendors and independent consultants displaying their products: from hand-made goods to essential oils and much more. A local massage therapist will even be offering chair massages--a 15-minute massage, a latte, and an opportunity to get ahead on Christmas shopping? Sounds like a win-win-win!

Hunting season is a good time to brush up on your marksmanship knowledge. On Monday October 23rd at 7pm Randy Whelchel SFC (Ret) is offering a free course at the Commons on basic marksmanship, rifle ballistics, and zeroing, plus general discussion about shooting. Randy has 22 years in combat arms (Army) and served 5 deployments with 2.5 of those in combat zones. He holds expert pistol, rifle and machine gun badges.

All adults are welcome; please inquire about youth using our contact form. Bring your firearm along, but leave the ammunition at home.

Diana Roen (daughter of Norma and Eldon Atwood), a professional artist from Stanford, MT, will guide you through painting on canvas and/or a colorful agate. On Thursday September 21st, Diana will instruct you in a step by step approach to create a Montana landscape oil painting on canvas. On Friday the 22nd, she will use the same technique to create a Montana mountain scene on a colorful agate. You do not have to be an artist to participate--you will be amazed at what you can create with Diana's guidance!

There is a lot going on at the Commons in July! Check out these highlights -- we have something for everybody!

Take a Hike! As the twice-weekly exercise class is on hiatus for the summer, the Commons is instead sponsoring several hikes. The next one is July 11th, hiking to Sioux Charley. Contact us for more info or to sign up.

Summer Reading ProgramThe Stillwater County Library's summer reading program continues to meet at the Commons on July 6, 13, and 20 at 10:30am. All elementary-school kids will enjoy the fun activities sponsored by the library - feel free to come even if you haven't been able to make it before now.

Cinnamon SaturdayOur June "Cinnamon Saturday" was a big hit! We're doing it again on Saturday, July 15th starting at 9am. Come down for a delicious cinnamon roll and cinnamon latte (or other drink of your choice) and enjoy mingling with your neighbors and making new friends!

Out of the Valley: Dealing with LossSara Bollman, a certified bereavement facilitator, will be leading a five-session exploration of the grieving process. This is sure to be beneficial to anyone who is struggling with the death of a loved one. Come and receive compassionate support in your time of grief. The class will take place from 10-11:30am on Saturdays, beginning July 15th and ending August 12th. To register, please fill out our contact form with "grief class" in the comment section.

Basic Quilting Workshop Nancy Roodell is lending her quilting expertise to teach two basic techniques that will result in something amazing! This 3-day class will meet on July 25-27 from 9am to noon. Click here to see details including required materials. Space is limited; to register, please fill out our contact form with "quilt workshop" in the comment section.

Absarokee DaysOn July 29th the Commons will have a refreshment booth set up for Absarokee Days. Stop by and say hi and get an iced coffee, iced tea, or Italian soda!